It is still my back up body (to my superb 40D and 1V HS)....and still has the occasional outing in the studio.....where I shoot sub ISO200.

I tend to use a long focus lens on this for close crop head shots and the IQ is superb.....people used to talk about the 10D 'look' and they were right. Without cropping the image I get a first class A3 print.
What is really interesting in the inherent quality of the files. I recently loaded an old folder of images from the 10D into LR4 and I don't know what that programme does...but the IQ was superb. I had to go back and check it was the 10D!!

On eBay these are virtually give away bodies now.....buy one if you get the chance.....add an L lens.....process in LR4.....be surprised!!

Jun 25, 2012

dwainasaurusOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Jan 22, 2010Location: United StatesPosts: 0

Review Date: Jan 22, 2010

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $125.00
| Rating: 7

Pros:

Affordable, rugged, capable enough for 95% of what I do.

Cons:

Slow to startup, no B&W image preview option.

After spending some time with Canon's Rebel XTi, I purchased a second hand 10D for nearly free. It was put to use doing product shots. The convenient thumb wheel made it a better camera for full manual use and the smaller file sizes, compared to my 400d, were just fine for the work I was doing.

After starting my <a href="http://www.camerology.com">lens review</a> site, the 10D became a workhorse in evaluating lenses. I even did a short write up on the 10D.

Because I was already invested in the EOS line the 10D was a good fit for me. But, because of its depreciated price, the 10D is the best value of any digital body on the market. It is quite capable despite its age. I miss being able to view images in monochrome on the tiny LCD. The startup time is quite long and sometimes annoying. But for the low cost and great capabilities I'll tolerate those minor faults.

Jan 22, 2010

AbramGOfflineBuy and Sell: On

Registered: Jan 30, 2006Location: United StatesPosts: 2901

Review Date: Nov 22, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $400.00
| Rating: 8

Pros:

Light weight, durable, pretty solid IQ, now inexpensive.

Cons:

pretty slow AF, tiny tiny LCD, not too great high ISO

I'm writing a review now for a camera I owned over 4 years ago. The 10D was my first DSLR, and at the time it was the best available (the 20D wasn't out yet) I got a great deal on a used one, and it began my transition from film to digital.

I really enjoyed working with it both in and out of the studio and at the time it was so great to be able to review my images in the field. (new concept to me at the time)

These days there of course are newer and better cameras out there, but I still think the 10D was and is a great crop sensor camera. If you got a real great bargain on one it would make an excellent backup camera, or even if you are learning photography on a budget that's a great place to start! Leaves you with more money for lenses.

Nov 22, 2009

watkinssrOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Jan 14, 2008Location: United StatesPosts: 810

Review Date: Oct 22, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $150.00
| Rating: 6

Pros:

Cheap on eBay, reliable, the battery grip is great compared to the new ones.

Cons:

Slow, high iso pretty much unusable, the mirror fell out during an important shoot.

I bought my 10d a few years back very cheap with the grip because someone listed it as a film camera on ebay. Picture quality in low ISO was great but ISO 1600 was horrible. In the middle of a job the mirror fell out...I was able superglue it back in place and it's still holding up till this day for it's new owner.

Oct 22, 2009

RjmccutchanOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Feb 12, 2006Location: N/APosts: 0

Review Date: Jun 18, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8

Pros:

Solid as a rock, never missed a beat, image quality

Cons:

slow start, slow image playback

I have had this camera a couple of years but did not use it seriously until last fall to shoot a wedding. I wish I had started with Canon instead of Konica/Minolta. I have sold all of my minolta gear and switched to all canon. (I now have a 20D also). I have been really impressed with the image quality. Tones seem to be really smooth compared to the Minolta. I have had more sharp clear pictures with this camera than I have ever had with any digital camera. Image qauality at iso800 good, and iso1600 is useable if exposed properly. I would'nt want to do serious cropping or big enlargements with iso800/1600, but it is useable for quite a few situations, and iso400 is useable in most situations. Canon's noise looks similar to film grain, so the noise never bothered me too much, especially when converting to black and white. Sometimes I would shoot at 1600 knowing I would be converting it to b/w so I could get a little gritty feel to the photograph. I have had great success with enlargements at 400. All in all, this camera is a good value at what it sells for today. It doesn't have the speed of the newer ones or the big screen on the back, but it is quite capable of excellent results. If you compare it to how we photographed weddings before digital, it's not so slow, and being able to change iso on the fly is a real plus. I've been told that people have made billboards with images taken from the 10D.

Nevertheless I had a lot of problems while learning photography with it.

After a while I was told by an expert in digital photography that some 10d bodies tend to make different images out of the same exposure and light situations.

That means, you can take two pictures, click, click, and have two different images. Maybe one lighter than the other, or with a different white balance.

This happened to me a lot of times.

Jun 4, 2009

Galehn PhotoOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: May 13, 2009Location: United StatesPosts: 48

Review Date: May 28, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $275.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Great all around camera..cant beat the price!

Cons:

none

May 28, 2009

AnnapurnaOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Dec 29, 2004Location: DenmarkPosts: 88

Review Date: Mar 26, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Build quality. Excellent imeage quality.

Cons:

Slow startup. Small lcd.

I have had the camera since it was released.
It took me a long time to discovers all its abilities.
Not always satisfied with the quality of the images. Sometimes it needs at lot of postprocessing.

Mar 26, 2009

mdwhaleyOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Oct 17, 2002Location: United StatesPosts: 3

Review Date: Feb 8, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,500.00
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Durable build quality, quiet shutter, image quality.

Cons:

.crw raw files, slow write speeds, ETTL I, noisy at ISO 3200

I have had the 10d since 2003. I also have used a 20d and a 5d. Since there is an abundance of 10d's on ebay at around 200-225 I will discuss the reasons why to buy this camera at that price compared to current technology.

This camera produces great 6 megapixel images in jpeg or raw if you know what you are doing. The build quality is solid and I still prefer the sound of the shutter compared to the newer Canon bodies.

At the current used price the only reason I would not recommend the 10d is if it will be used for ettl flash photography regularly. I mastered the different "hacks" of ettl to get the desired results like FEC and using focus lock with the AE lock button and though a pain in the butt it is possible. Newer bodies with ettl2 make all of that go away though.

Other than the flash issues at the price of a film body it is a no brainer, get the 10d.

Feb 8, 2009

Fusion08OfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Sep 12, 2008Location: United KingdomPosts: 15

Review Date: Oct 1, 2008

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Great quality with good glass, cheap (many excellent low frames on ebay) Sturdy and well built much better than 350 or even the 20D. Nice colours.

Cons:

Slow start-up, and review and slow transfer buffer. But not really a problem considering the end results.

Been using the 10D as a main camera up unitl I go my EOS 1Ds. Still use it regularly and although it does not match up to the quality of the 1Ds its not so far behind.
I have found it to be reliable (never missed a frame) , the exposure system is great and apart from the negatives already identified its a great little workhorse ( I have taken over 40,000 frame with it without any problems)
I will be keeping this camera as my backup and have no intention of replacing it with anything other than a 1D. Will even consider picking up another used one or two.
Would recommend to anyone as a cheap way to get pro results at a economic price.

Oct 1, 2008

anthonyghOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Jan 8, 2006Location: United KingdomPosts: 1880

Review Date: Jul 24, 2008

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Use it with care and technique ane prepare to be amazed....

Cons:

Slow write speeds.......

This model is cheap as chips on eBay at the moment...but it is still an amazing camera and a real bargain. I have had mine (bought with battery grip) for two years. It's never missed a beat despite day long studio sessions. I use quality lenses and the results are ( to judge by the clients reactions) stunning!

I did a shoot recently with another photographer using a 5D. It was hard, in the end, to tell what images came from what camera...but I did have the better glass!

The build quality is beyond question...I am the proud owner of the EOS 1v ( with battery grip). For feel and handling...they are in the same league (obviously the 1v is much better for weather sealing etc...but handling wise they are similar).

I have thought about getting the 40D.....but decided the ideal studio setup (on my budget (I don't believe in throwing money at photography)) is two 10Ds with complimentary lenses...so I can just switch from one camera to the other. Sorts out the slow write speeds as well.

I already own a mint 10D.....but if not I could buy two (with grips) for the price of a body only 40D...in my mind it's a no brainer!!

Jul 24, 2008

Duncan GibsonOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Aug 24, 2007Location: CanadaPosts: 430

Review Date: Dec 14, 2007

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10

Pros:

First xxD EOS! Great value used.

Cons:

Considering its 4 years old not much. Slow start up. It doesn't take EF-s lenses.

I have recently upgraded to a 5D, but I want to commemorate 3 very happy years with my 10D.

Although the D30 and D60 are older, the 10D was the camera that made dSLR photography within reach of amateurs. I had never owned a film SLR, so I had a lot to learn. The 10D let me takes lots of frames, and with the help of auto-exposure some of even them got printed (I have found the 6 megapixel resolution is good up to about 8*12).

I won't sell my 10D, instead I will keep it around for time-lapse.

Dec 14, 2007

PJ FishOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Nov 24, 2006Location: DenmarkPosts: 18

Review Date: Nov 3, 2007

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Though Big and PRO Look Tank camera,Reliable,Sharp files,fast AF,strong made,almost weatherproof(tight design) VERY Very Quiet shutter(the best in Canon)precise autofocus and low noise.Loong shutter life.

Cons:

Too few series of series shut when firing raw,to slow start up(not a prob)otherwise very fine made.

This is a very good classic indeed among pros and serious amatéurs.
I still use this occassionaly as a back up,and even as a prime camera especially when i need a place for at quiet assignment.
I recently used it for sports!it was an icehockey game paired w a Canon 70-200 F2,8 L and a Canon 135 F2,0 it is still awesome indoors shooting low noise at 800 iso and 1600 iso = the pics and files you get with this Isos is incredible.
I like it so much so i plan NOT to sell it because Canon 10D is still up there in the class of the newcomers 20D and 30D.
I will recomanded this camera anytime ;its a pro camera for a budget price and very good.

I felt in love with this camera from the very first beginning, bought it 4 years ago and released about 25.000 times. I'm still amazed with the result when I use my brain to work with the abilities the 10D gives to my hands.

This is not a fire-and-forget camera as like as most of the semi-pro or pro cameras aren't. I t takes good lenses to create good pictures the body is only just one part of the whole system. Sio invest in accessories like an external flash (first 380EX now 580 EX), the battery grip and again in lenses.

No matter what shooting situation I'm in I can trust on my 10D as my favorite workhorse.

Sometimes I would liek to have it operate a bit faster but this is something you get used to. Be sure to carry some extra battery life with you and you'll be on the save side.

I bought this 10D from a forum member and I've been very pleased with this camera, it does have its pros and cons.

Pros:

I have always loved the pro look and feel of Canon cameras,the 10D with the BG-ED3 grip has just that. The construction is sturdy and the heft lets you know its not a toy. The 10D focuses fairly fast with better glass, if you have the kit lens...loose it. The 550 EX and remote shutter release is compatible with both the 10D and EOS 3, which worked out since I have both cameras. The image quality is crisp and sharp with better glass, not so much with the kit lens. You really don't need more than 6mp unless you plan on printing your photos and most people don't, at full resolution you can get prints up to 8x10 without loss of quality or any extra PS work. The small/normal is more than adequate for Internet use. The medium/fine is great for 4x6 prints....unless you like spending more time playing with software than being outside taking photos the small to medium resolution is your best bet.

Cons:

The small sensor can limit what you do indoors. I have a 50mm f1.4 that I tried to use at a family birthday party, but I couldn't back away far enough to get everyone in the frame. The 1.6x crop factor turns 50mm into an 80mm which isn't condusive to indoor use. I recommend the 28-105 or the 24-105 L, either of these two will allow more flexiblity shooting in and out doors and these lenses are a great workaround for the 1.6x crop factor. The startup is slow but not unreasonable. The viewfinder isn't as bright as my EOS 3 but the 10D isn't a 'pro' camera.The LCD is small, however I don't use the LCD to preview my photos, its turned off. I have enough confidence in my skills that I don't need the preview.

The buffer is the bottleneck. Unless you plan on printing all of the photos you take, shoot at either the medium/fine or small/fine resolution...the write speed will be fast enough, shooting a 9 shot burst at full resolution (large/fine) will cause the camera to pause for about 12 seconds while it processes the data and writes it to the card. If you need to shoot this many images regularly, the 10D isn't for you...go for the 5D or one of the 1 series cameras.

Conclusion:

For the money you won't find a better camera and deals can be found regularly here and elsewhere. I think this is camera is a great walkaround camera and for photogs on a budget. Its much better value than the Nikon equivalent. This is really more camera than the average person really needs. With the 1GB card and the resolution set at medium/fine there's room for almost 700 images.

May 26, 2007

bobbybrownOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Dec 12, 2004Location: United KingdomPosts: 7

Review Date: Sep 25, 2006

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8

Pros:

extremely good build quality and survived many direct hits. not waterproof but the same heft as any EOS 3. can be used as an expensive sled hammer if you like. low noise ISO100-800. sufficient fps and burst rate for most jobs. no CA. no Blooming. quick enough One Shot AF. adequate resolution even at lower settings. whoever needs >10MP anyway? a massive bargain when i bought it and now. more rugged than 20D or 30D. no double shot noise reduction saves a lot of time for long exposures. very quiet shutter is ideal for nature & weddings. very good grip.

Cons:

not waterproof so becareful in the rain. lots of error 02 and 99 problems. shutter gives out around 35-50,000 cycles. AF tracking a little poor but not much worse than 1/3 series. old ones needs to be serviced to get a new shutter box £13($20). small viewfinder feels very cramped and hard to compose. a bit too heavy for long term use. battery is a little dissapointing especially when used with tracking and holding onto AF/shutter for too long.

an excellent camera and a bargain in todays market even compared to 20D and 30D. practically the same and better in some aspects. low noise is till a massive bonus compared to any other brand on the market. the best way i shoot with this camera is to bracet 1/2 or 1-stop to pick the best exposed shot as the camera sometimes over expose slightly. some highlight is occasionally lost compared to newer cameras but this is very minor.